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Sophomore guard Isaiah Washington announced Monday on Twitter he intends to transfer from the University of Minnesota. Washington, a top recruit in the New York area, averaged just 4.3 points per game this season. The former four-star prospect, heralded as “Jelly,” won New York’s Mr. Basketball Award during his senior year of high school.
Despite the early hype, Washington never had a breakthrough moment at Minnesota. His minutes were dramatically cut during his second season with the Gophers. Minnesota was desperately yearning for a dominant point guard this season, but Washington didn’t earn playing time. The young point guard did not appear during a span of five games in late February and early March. It caused many to wonder whether he would transfer when the season concluded.
In a statement on Twitter, Washington made his decision public: “after talks with family, it’s best that I find a new home...I will not be returning to the University of Minnesota next season. I love you all, you will always have a place in my heart.”
Washington will now enter the transfer portal and choose his new school. When he does, he’ll sit out one season and finish out his remaining two years of eligibility.
After being unable to fill the major major hole left by guard Nate Mason, Washington appeared like he may not be part of the team’s future plans. Amir Coffey was tasked with playing point guard and moved away from his natural position this year. There were moments where Washington showed flashes, including two double-digit assist performances in nonconference play. However, he simply couldn’t take sound shots or facilitate the offense consistently.
With Washington’s departure, the Gophers now have another open spot to fill this offseason. The team anticipated Pittsburgh transfer Marcus Carr would be eligible for the past season, but he wasn’t granted a waiver. Carr put together a promising freshman campaign for Pittsburgh, leading the team in assists and steals. He also was the Panthers’ third leading scorer, averaging ten points per game. He is expected to start at point guard next season, allowing Amir Coffey to transition to the wing spot. Coffey can still occasionally handle the main duties, but Carr provides more flexibility for the Gophers to maximize their offensive potential. All season, Minnesota needed a guard to create dribble penetration and stress a defense. Carr can help on both ends of the court and fills a major need.
Outside of Carr, standout guard Tre Williams is set to join the Gophers next season. A star player in Utah, Williams is a four-star recruit that will bring much-needed depth and talent to the backcourt. The 6-foot-4 guard averaged 16.6 points and 4.4 assists per game during his senior season at Wataush Academy.
The Gophers have also continued to target combo guard Grant Sherfield, a former UCLA commit. He took a visit to Minnesota during the Purdue win in early March and spent time at Wake Forest on March 8. This year, he averaged 15.7 points per game on the prep circuit for Sunrise Christian. Minnesota needs to add more ball handlers and shooters to the roster and Sherfield would certainly fit that mold.
Not only that, but they’ll need to continue searching for big-men. Texas center Sam Freeman is set to make his college choice on Thursday and will choose between Minnesota and Virginia Tech. The 6-foot-10, 220-pound big-man would bring much-needed rim protection and post scoring to the Gophers. Outside of that, perhaps Minnesota will search for a transfer post player to bring experience to the roster.
Even with Washington set to transfer, the Gophers have a legitimate starting option with Marcus Carr becoming eligible in 2019. The next step will be continuing to add depth at the guard spots through this recruiting cycle. There's no doubt Minnesota’s roster will look different next season, especially with several additions they have yet to make.
Despite the early hype, Washington never had a breakthrough moment at Minnesota. His minutes were dramatically cut during his second season with the Gophers. Minnesota was desperately yearning for a dominant point guard this season, but Washington didn’t earn playing time. The young point guard did not appear during a span of five games in late February and early March. It caused many to wonder whether he would transfer when the season concluded.
In a statement on Twitter, Washington made his decision public: “after talks with family, it’s best that I find a new home...I will not be returning to the University of Minnesota next season. I love you all, you will always have a place in my heart.”
Washington will now enter the transfer portal and choose his new school. When he does, he’ll sit out one season and finish out his remaining two years of eligibility.
After being unable to fill the major major hole left by guard Nate Mason, Washington appeared like he may not be part of the team’s future plans. Amir Coffey was tasked with playing point guard and moved away from his natural position this year. There were moments where Washington showed flashes, including two double-digit assist performances in nonconference play. However, he simply couldn’t take sound shots or facilitate the offense consistently.
With Washington’s departure, the Gophers now have another open spot to fill this offseason. The team anticipated Pittsburgh transfer Marcus Carr would be eligible for the past season, but he wasn’t granted a waiver. Carr put together a promising freshman campaign for Pittsburgh, leading the team in assists and steals. He also was the Panthers’ third leading scorer, averaging ten points per game. He is expected to start at point guard next season, allowing Amir Coffey to transition to the wing spot. Coffey can still occasionally handle the main duties, but Carr provides more flexibility for the Gophers to maximize their offensive potential. All season, Minnesota needed a guard to create dribble penetration and stress a defense. Carr can help on both ends of the court and fills a major need.
Outside of Carr, standout guard Tre Williams is set to join the Gophers next season. A star player in Utah, Williams is a four-star recruit that will bring much-needed depth and talent to the backcourt. The 6-foot-4 guard averaged 16.6 points and 4.4 assists per game during his senior season at Wataush Academy.
The Gophers have also continued to target combo guard Grant Sherfield, a former UCLA commit. He took a visit to Minnesota during the Purdue win in early March and spent time at Wake Forest on March 8. This year, he averaged 15.7 points per game on the prep circuit for Sunrise Christian. Minnesota needs to add more ball handlers and shooters to the roster and Sherfield would certainly fit that mold.
Not only that, but they’ll need to continue searching for big-men. Texas center Sam Freeman is set to make his college choice on Thursday and will choose between Minnesota and Virginia Tech. The 6-foot-10, 220-pound big-man would bring much-needed rim protection and post scoring to the Gophers. Outside of that, perhaps Minnesota will search for a transfer post player to bring experience to the roster.
Even with Washington set to transfer, the Gophers have a legitimate starting option with Marcus Carr becoming eligible in 2019. The next step will be continuing to add depth at the guard spots through this recruiting cycle. There's no doubt Minnesota’s roster will look different next season, especially with several additions they have yet to make.
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